Many operating systems include AI-driven tools to help with productivity. While these features can be useful, they also run in the background and use resources like memory and processing power. If your computer feels sluggish, turning off these background tasks can provide a noticeable speed boost. Here is how:
For Windows PCs (Windows 11)
Windows has integrated several AI features, most notably “Copilot” and “Widgets,” which can use extra RAM even when you aren’t actively using them.
Remove Copilot from the Taskbar
Right-click on an empty space on your Taskbar
Select Taskbar settings
Toggle the switch for Copilot (preview) to Off.
Disable Widgets
In the same Taskbar settings menu, find the Widgets option.
Toggle the switch to Off.
Adjust Background Apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
Find apps that use AI features (like the new Photos app or Paint)
Click the three dots (…) and select Advanced options
Under Background apps permissions, select Never
For Mac (macOS)
Apple has Apple Intelligence, along with features like Siri and Live Text that analyze your files in the background.
Turn Off Apple Intelligence
Click the Apple Menu and select System Settings
Look for Apple Intelligence & Siri in the sidebar
Turn Off Apple Intelligence
Disable Siri and “Hey Siri”
In the same Apple Intelligence & Siri menu, toggle Ask Siri to Off
Disabling the “Listen for” feature prevents the Mac from constantly using the microphone and processor to wait for your voice commands.
Disable Live Text
Go to System Settings > General > Language & Region
Toggle off Live Text
Manage Spotlight Indexing
Go to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight
Under Search Results uncheck Images or other categories you don’t frequently search for.